Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament has passed a constitutional amendment that would change presidential terms from five to seven years. The legislation, which was voted on Thursday, would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, beyond the end of his current term scheduled for 2028.
The bill succeeded with 216 lawmakers in favour, surpassing the two‑thirds threshold required for a constitutional change. Judge Jacob Mudenda, chair of the vote, noted that forty‑two MPs opposed the amendment.
Key components of the amendment include the scrapping of direct presidential elections and the election of the president by parliament. It also delays the next parliamentary elections from 2028 to 2030 and extends parliamentary terms to seven years.
The ruling Zanu‑PF party, which has governed since independence in 1980, has long campaigned for shorter rule limits. Supporters claim the amendments will provide continuity and stability, while critics worry they weaken democratic accountability and open the door to extended leadership without a referendum.
A legal challenge to the bill was dismissed by the Constitutional Court earlier in the week, clearing the way for the Senate to approve the amendment. The senate is currently expected to vote on the proposal before the president signs it into law.
